The Shiplake College community has this week bid farewell to two much-loved members of staff, who depart from the College to pursue new adventures and follow new career paths. Mrs Kim Burrell leaves Shiplake to move to the south coast of England, and Mr Luke Cottrell leaves for a career in management. Mr Kevin Bloor and Mr Blain Shepherd also left Shiplake at the end of the Christmas term, for pastures new.
School accountant Mrs Kim Burrell leaves Shiplake after 11 years in the role. Kim has had an enormous influence on many of the procedures adopted in the finance office. Much of Kim’s work takes place ‘behind-the-scenes’ in Shiplake, but is absolutely vital to ensure the smooth-running of the College. Bursar Mr Neil Walne says ‘during her 11 years at Shiplake, Kim has played a leading role in the management of the College’s finances. At the outset, she restructured the accounting systems and introduced a number of new processes, that allowed the Bursary to cope with the increase in pupil numbers over the recent years. Her dedication and attention to detail over the years have been recognised by both the governors and our external auditors. I am very grateful for all her hard work and support. I wish her well in her new life on the south coast.’ Kim commented that ‘I will miss Shiplake, and the girls in the bursary very much, as I have been here for over a decade and it feels like belonging to a family. We have a great team in finance, and they have always supported me, even when life has been tough. There is a fantastic sense of comradeship. My best memories of Shiplake will be the speech days, out on the lawn and in the sunshine. I’m really looking forward to taking time to reflect and decide what I want to do in the future, and taking a well-earned rest.’ Kim has moved to Southbourne, Bournemouth. She is taking a couple of months off and will then see what life has to offer, possibly taking on a part-time role in order to spend more time with her family. As her daughter is expecting a baby in July, a trip to see her and meet the new arrival is definitely on the cards!
Head of Physics and Master of Scholars Mr Luke Cottrell leaves Shiplake after five and a half years here. Luke has been a much-loved member of the Science Department, instrumental in making Physics the popular subject that it is. Luke has been an integral member of the Duke of Edinburgh team, accompanying groups of pupils on expeditions across the UK, whatever the weather! Luke says ‘I will miss the sense of community and togetherness that staff and pupils share, both in and around academic endeavours. I will cherish many memories from my time at Shiplake – chief amongst these will be those ‘eureka moments’ on pupils’ faces when they understand a difficult concept in Physics, and going on DofE expeditions to Scotland and Wales every year. As a parting gift, my A Level pupils blew up 300 balloons by hand (or lung) to fill my classroom – I will definitely remember that!’ Luke moves away from teaching to follow a career in management, becoming a Regional Manager for Aldi. However, he has not shut the door on this career and may one day return to the classroom. Mr Shahram Sharafi takes on the role of Physics teacher.
Business and Economics teacher Mr Kevin Bloor left at Christmas to become a teacher of Citizenship in a state school. Ms Victoria Williams, with many years of experience from working in the city, has joined Shiplake as teacher of Economics and Business Studies. Thomas Franks Location Manager Mr Blain Shepherd also left Shiplake at Christmas, to move up within the Thomas Franks company, becoming the Area Manager.
Headmaster Mr Gregg Davies commented: ‘we would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our leavers the very best for their futures. They have shown dedication and commitment to Shiplake, and for that I am extremely grateful. Thank you to them, and very warm wishes.’